Officials today announced the signing, thought terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“I’m getting that belt,” Foster stated. “I want to fight the best. I want to fight (champ) Ben Askren and take home that belt.

“I ran through my last two opponents, and I’m better than I’ve ever been. I’m very happy to be a part of Bellator, and I’m coming for the top spot.”

Although he was in the midst of a 3-1 run in the organization, the UFC surprisingly released Foster earlier this year. The hard-hitting fighter was medically released after a pre-fight medical examine revealed a brain hemorrhage. Foster was cleared shortly after, but the UFC didn’t re-sign him.

“I’ve been seen by two of the best doctors in the state, they’ve medically cleared me, and I feel great,” Foster stated. “I’m looking forward to facing Bellator’s best and becoming the next welterweight champion.”

Since his UFC release, Foster has picked up a pair of wins outside the organization. On Oct. 1, he scored a first-round submission victory over Jack Mason in a featured Cage Warriors 44 bout. Fourteen days later, he submitted Laverne Clark at CCCW 7. Combined, his two opponents had a 44-26-1 record.

Foster is now 5-1 since late 2009. All 18 of the Fiore MMA fighter’s career wins have come via stoppage (nine via submission and nine via knockout).

A debut date or possible tourney entry have not been announced for Foster.

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